Shopping for sound reinforcement pros is no easy task. Okay, you probably won’t get that Tesla Model “S” you wanted this year, but here are some essential — and highly useful — items any sound reinforcement pro could use. These are perfect for anyone your gift list, or even yourself. In that case, just tear out this page, grab a Sharpie and circle what you want. Then leave this lying around where the right person can find it. And voila… in a few weeks, you (hopefully) will receive gifts you’ll truly appreciate. So here are our 2021 FRONT of HOUSE selections for the well-accessorized sound pro.
Audix CabGrabber
I’m one of those people who hates mic stands. Clip-on mics on drums, horns and percussion, internal kick mics and performer headsets all contribute to a clean stage look — and less bulk to schlep to/from the gig. I’ve been using Audix CabGrabbers for years — these clamp onto the sides of guitar or speaker cabinets, offer precision mic positioning, a secure grip and are built for years of abuse. A standard model ($49/street) handles amps eight to 14 inches deep; an XL version for extra-deep (14 to 21 inch) cabinets is $59.
audixusa.com
________________________
Klein Tools VDV526-100 Data Cable Tester
Let’s face it: Cat-5 and Cat-6 cables are now a permanent part of your live sound life. This pocket device is a simple, cable tester that can check RJ11, RJ12 and RJ45 terminated cables for mis-wires, open faults, shorts and shielding, with instant at-a-glance LED responses to indicate cable status. A detachable remote is provided for checking both ends of a snake or installed line and it runs on a single 9 VDC battery. The entire unit fits easily into your pocket or gig bag. Retail is $29.
kleintools.com
________________________
On the Road: Recording The Stars In a Golden Era of Live Music
This $29 hardcover book is a fascinating collection of road stories by David Hewitt, who since the 1970’s, built and operated the most advanced remote studios of the era. One of the industry’s premier recording engineers who spent a lifetime parked next to venues, Hewitt delves into tales of capturing thousands of live shows by artists ranging from Aretha to Zappa, Miles to MJQ, George Jones to Shania Twain, live broadcasts from the Oscars to the NY Metropolitan Opera, and film scores from Die Hard to Disney, garnering eight TEC Awards and a TEC Hall of Fame induction in the process.
backbeatbooks.com
________________________
Shure A15TG Tone Generator
This battery-powered 700 Hz signal source can be used to troubleshoot low-impedance, balanced-line microphone inputs, such as microphone and snake lines for correct patching and detecting unusual noise. The compact, pocket-sized A15TG tolerates phantom power and short circuits in lines and includes rugged housing with a recessed on/off switch and a three-pin XLR output connector. A removable end cap allows for easy battery install and replacement. MSRP is $157.
shure.com
________________________
Sonnect Sound Bullet
Made by Italy-based Sonnect Audio, this USB-rechargeable, pocket-size I/O audio signal and wiring verification device features variable-level (-10, -20 and -40 dBu) pink noise or 1 kHz tone generators that route to the ¼” output (the latter for checking guitar amps or D.I. boxes) or to the male XLR for checking patches before sound checks or quick stage changeovers. Signals plugged into the female XLR or the ¼” connector are amplified and reproduced by the internal speaker or to the 3.5mm output for headphone listening. Street price is $250.
sonnectaudio.com
________________________
Sound Tools XLR Sniffer/Sender
Sound Tools has improved its classic XLR Sniffer/Sender XLR cable tester — now updated with a rotary on/off switch and a small color sticker that indicates cable condition (shorts, open circuits, polarity reverse, missing ground) at a glance. I’ve had one of these for about 25 years and it’s a must-have on any live gig or install I do. It could be the best $60 you ever spent. You can thank me later. An NL4 version is also available for checking speaker cables.
ratsoundsales.com
________________________
Studio Six Digital iTestMic2
If you’re doing test/measurements to an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning port, you need iTestMic2 ($229), the only direct-connect iOS calibrated test/measurement mic that includes a 3.5mm analog audio out and iOS device charging jack. Plug it into your iOS device for instant, accurate SPL readings; connect a 3.5mm audio cable to get analog output signals; and plug in the included power adapter for long-term noise studies or just to charge your iOS device. Onboard, high-res analog preamp and ADC/DAC round out the package.
studiosixdigital.com
________________________
Whirlwind PW-1 Personal Wedge
Why use wireless IEMs for drummers and keyboardists? This stereo headphone driver provides hardwired onstage in-ear monitoring to earbuds and headphones from 16 to 600 ohms. This tough beltpack unit features left/right line-level XLR and 3.5mm stereo inputs; a protective brickwall peak limiter with adjustable threshold; a stereo/mono sum switch and 1/8” and ¼” earphone jacks. Drive power is 300mW; response is 20 Hz to 20k Hz (±1.7 dB). Retail is $228 — earbuds and drumset not included.
whirlwindusa.com
To download a PDF of FRONT of HOUSE’s Dec. 2021 Gift Guide, CLICK HERE
